Pender County School Board shares 2026-2027 calendar decision

PENDER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — The Pender County School Board has approved the 2026-2027 school calendar, with the school year set to begin on August 10 and end on May 21.

Board members say this decision follows a review of test scores and parent feedback requesting that testing be completed before the winter break, which will start on December 18, 2026.

However, the new calendar has sparked concerns from some parents, who have taken to social media to claim that the change violates North Carolina’s law, which regulates school start dates. Under current law, schools cannot begin classes before August 26 unless granted an exemption.

In response to these concerns, Vice Chairman Don Hall emphasized that the decision to approve the calendar was unanimous among the board members. He also pointed out that the new schedule aims to return to the state-required 185 instructional days.

“Anyone who claims this decision was just me is mistaken. It was a unanimous vote from the board members present here,” Hall said.

Board Member Tom Reeves further explained the reasoning behind the calendar change.

“We need to return to 185 instructional days. Right now, we’re at 174. We’ve spread out the workdays, so teachers will be more satisfied with this new approach,” Reeves said.

Currently, North Carolina law requires schools to start no earlier than August 26 unless granted an exemption. However, Rep. Carson Smith is working on legislation that would allow Pender County schools to begin their year earlier, aligning with the start date of Cape Fear Community College, which typically begins around August 18.